Cable TV Advisory Committee
Members:
- Dana Berenson
- Kathleen Curran
- Evelyn Hammond, Cable Administrator
- William Whiting, Chairman
- William Wood
- Jay MacDougall
Contact:
- Phone: 978-887-1544
- Fax: 978-887-1502
- E-Mail: cable@topsfield-ma.gov
- Cable TV and Web Notice Form
Description:
The Cable Advisory Committee advises the Board of Selectmen on matters pertaining to cable television in the community and serves as a liaison with Comcast and Verizon, the cable TV franchises.
The Committee promotes educational, public access and local programming use by Town agencies and citizens.
In October of 2001 the Committee negotiated a 10-year contract for the Town's cable franchise. The contract deals primarily with "local access" programming on Topsfield's Channel 10. Under Federal and State laws, the contract does not set cable TV rates or address channel program content. In Dec. of 2006 the committee negotiated a second 15- year contract for competing cable service from Verizon on channel 47.
During the day, Channel 10/47 broadcasts a Community Bulletin Board promoting information about local events and a weekly program schedule. In the evening programs of local interest are shown.
The Town has recently taken over responsibility for the operation of Cable TV Channel 10/47 from Comcast & Verizon. All programming now originates from the Cable Office at Town Hall. Volunteers are needed to help run Channel 10/47. Contact Bill Whiting at 887-2283
Support
If you believe that your cable TV bill is incorrect or you have concerns about your service or signal quality, call Comcast's Service Center at 888-633-4266 or Verizon's Customer Service Center at 888-553-1555.
If you are not satisfied with the resolution to your problem, you should call the Consumer Division of the Dept. of Telecommunications and Energy (800-392-6066) or write them at One South Station, Boston, MA 02110. Both Comcast and Verizon are required to file reports of all complaints with the State and the Town.
Regular Meetings:
First Wednesday of every month, at 7:30 pm in Town Hall.
